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5 offensive tackles the Patriots could take in the first-round

By Sara Marshall

Jan 9, 2023; Inglewood, CA, USA; Detailed view of the jersey of Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Broderick Jones (59) against the TCU Horned Frogs during the CFP national championship game at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2023; Inglewood, CA, USA; Detailed view of the jersey of Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Broderick Jones (59) against the TCU Horned Frogs during the CFP national championship game at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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It’s no secret that the Patriots have some significant needs coming into the draft, and depending on who you ask, the order of importance will differ. But one that most can agree upon is the desperate need for competent offensive tackles.

Despite the amount of blame thrown all around the team for the disaster that was the 2022 season, the offensive line was one of the roster’s weakest points, leading to many of the struggles offensively.

With a deep class of tackles set to enter the draft in April, the Patriots must make it a priority in the early rounds. Because they have prime position with the 14th overall pick, they may select their future lineman early on. If that’s the case, there are five talented players they could choose from.

Breakdown of the Patriots’ potential first-round pick: tackles

Team Buckeye offensive guard Paris Johnson Jr. (77) leaves the field following the Ohio State Buckeyes football spring game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Saturday, April 17, 2021.Ohio State Football Spring Game
Team Buckeye offensive guard Paris Johnson Jr. (77) leaves the field following the Ohio State Buckeyes football spring game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Saturday, April 17, 2021.Ohio State Football Spring Game /

Paris Johnson Jr. – Ohio State

AGE: 21

HEIGHT: 6’6″

WEIGHT: 310 lbs

EXPERIENCE:

  • 2022 – 827 snaps at LT | 13 games played, 2 sacks allowed, 0 hits, 12 hurries
  • 2021 – 768 snaps at RG | 13 games played, 0 sacks allowed, 1 hit, 13 hits
  • 2020 – 12 snaps at LG, 7 snaps at RG, 7 snaps at RT | 4 games played, 1 sack allowed, 0 hits, 1 hurry

As the top-ranked tackle of this year’s class, according to PFF, Johnson Jr. is the perfect mold of what a team would want in a left tackle. Because of Trent Brown’s struggles on the left side last year, Johnson would likely start there immediately, moving Brown back to the right side with Isaiah Wynn on his way out.

Although he has limited experience playing a true tackle, his strength and athleticism for his size have consistently impressed. He’s a proven run blocker, something the Patriots have lacked in recent years and has been successful as a pass protector, allowing just three sacks total during the 2020 – 2022 seasons.

Drafting Johnson would be one of the best decisions the Patriots could make to improve the offense dramatically. He has the flexibility to move nearly anywhere on the offensive line, a trait Belichick loves, and has dominated throughout his college career.

The adaptability Johnson has shown, and the improvements he’s already made prove he could be a long-term starter in the NFL with the right coaching. And who better than Belichick to be the one to propel him to stardom?

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